James Truscott, chief executive officer of Lloyd's managing agency Euclidian Group, would love to lunch with Michelle Pfieffer – even it is just for the street cred
What newspaper do you read?
Daily Telegraph.
What career did you want to have when you were a child?
I wanted to be a pilot.
What was the worst business decision you have ever made?
To spend too much time as a quoted company. Lloyd's companies are not attractive to City investors. Our MBO last year has been the best decision we have made. The company is growing without the shackles of being a public company.
What do you like best about insurance?
The people. I have some great friends who I have met in, and through, the business.
What would you do tomorrow if you left the insurance industry?
Set up a marketing company.
How do you relax if you do not play golf?
Sailing – it's a great way to have fun as long as you don't bump into the land.
What is the biggest insurance claim you have ever made?
£30,000 when my last house fell down (we discovered it was built on a pond).
Who do you most admire?
My wife. She not only puts up with me but also does a wonderful job bringing up our three very boisterous children.
Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?
Lunch with Michelle Pfieffer in the Captain's Room in Lloyd's (the news would spread like wildfire and it would give me great street cred in the market).
On dress-down Friday, what do you wear?
We don't have dress-down Friday.
What is your favourite quote?
“The fish rots from the head down”. Applicable to most corporate failures and a constant reminder to me and the rest of the management.
What is your most over-used phrase?
Do it differently.
What keeps you awake at night?
Two Labradors and three small children.
What advice would you give someone starting in insurance today?
Aim high – there are great opportunities in the market, if you are prepared to work hard and think differently.
What was your first job?
I started out as an aviation broker at Stewart Wrightson.
Where did you grow up?
Sussex.
What was your education?
Secondary education at Dauntsey in Wiltshire and West Down Tutors in Sussex.
What is your favourite book?
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.
How often do you use public transport?
Most days. Fortunately, I have made some great chums on the train so we suffer the rigours of Connex together.
Are you in favour of the Euro?
Yes.
